Aminoalkyl substituted (benzodioxan, benzofuran or benzopyran) derivatives

ABSTRACT

The present invention concerns compounds of formula (I)  
                 
 
a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, an N-oxide form thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, wherein -Z 1 -Z 2 - is a bivalent radical; R 1 , R 2  and R 3  are each independently selected from hydrogen, C 1-6 alkyl, hydroxy, halo and the like; or when R 1  and R 2  are on adjacent carbon atoms, R 1  and R 2  taken together may form a bivalent radical of formula; Alk 1  and Alk 2  are optionally substituted C 1-6 alkanediyl; R 6  is hydrogen or phenylmethyl; R 5  is a radical of formula  
                 
 
wherein n is 1 or 2; p 1  is 0, and p 2  is 1 or 2; or p 1  is 1 or 2, and p 2  is 0; X is oxygen, sulfur or ═NR 9 ; Y is oxygen or sulfur; R 7  is hydrogen, C 1-6 alkyl, C 3-6 cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenylmethyl; R 8  is C 1-6 alkyl, C 3-6 cycloalkyl phenyl or phenylmethyl; R 9  is cyano, C 1-6 alkyl, C 3-6 cyclo-alkyl, C 1-6 alkyloxycarbonyl or aminocarbonyl; R 10  is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; and Q is a bivalent radical. Processes for preparing said products, formulations comprising said products and their use as a medicine are disclosed, in particular for treating conditions which are related to impaired fundic relaxation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/980,452, filed Nov. 30, 2001, which is the national stage filing of PCT Application No. PCT/EP00/04746, filed May 23, 2000 which claims priority from EPO Application No. 99201747.5, filed Jun. 2, 1999.

The present invention is concerned with novel aminoalkylchromane compounds having fundic relaxation properties. The invention further relates to methods for preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds as well as the use as a medicine of said compounds.

Structurally related aminomethylchromane derivatives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,199 as selective autoreceptor agonists useful as antipsychotic agents. Other structurally related aminomethylchroman derivatives having affinity for cerebral 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors of the 5-HT₁ type and therefore suitable for the treatment of disorders of the central nervous system are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,901.

EP-0,546,388, published on 16 Jun. 1993, discloses structurally related aminomethylchroman derivatives having affinity for cerebral 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors of the 5-HT₁ type and for dopamine receptors of the D₂-type. EP-0,628,310, published on 14 Dec. 1994, encompasses the use of the same aminomethylchroman derivatives for the inhibition of HIV-protease.

DE-2,400,094, published on 18 Jul. 1974, discloses 1-[1-[2-(1,4-benzodioxan-2-yl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-4-piperidyl-2-benzimidazolinones possessing blood pressure lowering activity.

DE-2,852,945, published on 26 Jun. 1980, discloses benzodioaxanylhydroxyethyl-piperidylimidazolidinones having antihypertensive activity.

EP-0,004,358, published on 3 Oct. 1979, discloses N-oxacycloalkylalkylpiperidines useful as antidepressants and psychostimulants.

EP-0,048,218, published on 24 Mar. 1982, discloses N-oxides of N-oxacycloalkyl-alkylpiperidines having antidepressant activity.

WO-93/17017, published on 2 Sep. 1993, discloses [(benzodioxane, benzofuran or benzopyran)alkylamino]alkyl-substituted guanidine as selective vasoconstrictors useful to treat conditions related to vasodilatation such as, e.g., migraine, cluster headache and headache associated with vascular disorders.

WO-95/053837, published on 23 Feb. 1995, encompasses dihydrobenzopyran-pyrimidine derivatives also having vasoconstrictive activity.

Other structurally related aminomethylchroman derivatives are disclosed in WO-97/28157, published on 7 Aug. 1997, as α2-adrenergic receptor antagonists useful in the treatment of degenerative neurological conditions.

The compounds of the present invention differ from the cited art-known compounds structurally, by the nature of the R⁵ substituent, and pharmacologically by the fact that, unexpectedly, these compounds have fundic relaxation properties. Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention have additional beneficial pharmacological properties in that they have little or no vasoconstrictor activity.

During the consumption of a meal the fundus, i.e. the proximal part of the stomach, relaxes and provides a “reservoir” function. Patients having an impaired adaptive relaxation of the fundus upon food ingestion have been shown to be hypersensitive to gastric distension and display dyspeptic symptoms. Therefore, it is believed that compounds which are able to normalize an impaired fundic relaxation are useful to relieve patients suffering from said dyspeptic symptoms.

The present invention concerns compounds of formula (I)

a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, an N-oxide form thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, or a quaternary ammonium salt thereof, wherein

-   Alk¹ is C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonylC₁₋₄alkyl, carbonyl,     carbonylC₁₋₄alkyl, or C₁₋₆alkanediyl optionally substituted with     hydroxy, halo, amino, hydroxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxy,     C₁₋₄alkyloxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxy,     C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy, or     C₃₋₆cycloalkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy; -   Alk² is C₁₋₄alkylcarbonylC₁₋₄alkyl; C₁₋₆alkanediyl substituted with     hydroxy, halo, amino, hydroxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxy,     C₁₋₄alkyloxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl,     C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy, or     C₃₋₆cycloalkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy;     C₃₋₈cycloalkanediyl optionally substituted with halo, hydroxy,     hydroxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxy, C₁₋₄alkyloxyC₁₋₄alkyl,     C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy,     or C₃₋₆cycloalkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy; -   -Z¹-Z²- is a bivalent radical of formula     -   —O—CH(R⁴)—CH₂— (a-1),     -   —O—CH(R⁴)—CH₂—O— (a-2),     -   —O—CH(R⁴)—CH₂—S-(a-3),     -   —O—CH(R⁴)—CH₂—CH₂— (a-4),     -   —O—CH(R⁴)—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (a-5),     -   —O—C(R⁴)═CH— (a-6),     -   —O—C(R⁴)═CH—CH₂— (a-7),     -   —O—C(R⁴)═CH—CH₂—CH₂— (a-8), or     -   —O—CH(R⁴)—CH═CH— (a-9),     -   wherein optionally one or two hydrogen atoms on the same or a         different carbon atom may be replaced by hydroxy; -   R¹, R² and R³ are each independently selected from hydrogen,     C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆alkenyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, trihalomethyl, trihalomethoxy,     halo, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, amino, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonylamino,     C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxy, aminocarbonyl, mono- or     di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminocarbonyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono- or     di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl,     C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy, or     C₃₋₆cycloalkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy; or

when R¹ and R² are on adjacent carbon atoms, R¹ and R² taken together may form a bivalent radical of formula —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (b-1), —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (b-2), —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (b-3), —CH═CH—CH═CH— (b-4), —O—CH₂—O— (b-5), —O—CH₂—CH₂— (b-6), —O—CH₂—CH₂—O— (b-7), —O—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (b-8), —O—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (b-9),

-   -   wherein optionally one or two hydrogen atoms on the same or a         different carbon atom may be replaced by hydroxy, C₁₋₄alkyl or         CH₂OH;

-   R⁴ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, phenylmethyl, hydroxyC₁₋₄alkyl,     C₁₋₄alkyloxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl,     C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl,     C₃₋₆cycloalkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy, or a direct bond     when the bivalent radical -Z¹-Z²- is of formula (a-6), (a-7) or     (a-8);

-   R⁶ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl,     phenylmethyl, C₁₋₄alkylaminocarbonyl,     C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, or     C₃₋₆cycloalkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy;

-   R⁵ is a radical of formula     -   wherein n is 1 or 2;     -   p¹ is 0, and p² is 1 or 2; or p¹ is 1 or 2, and p² is 0;     -   X is oxygen, sulfur, NR⁹ or CHNO₂;     -   Y is oxygen or sulfur;

-   R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenylmethyl;

-   R⁸ is C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenylmethyl;

-   R⁹ is cyano, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl or     aminocarbonyl;

-   R¹⁰ is hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl;

-   or R⁹ and R¹⁰ taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they     are attached may form a pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, homopiperidinyl,     piperazinyl, or morpholinyl group, optionally substituted with     C₁₋₄alkyl or C₁₋₄alkyloxy; and

Q is a bivalent radical of formula —CH₂—CH₂— (d-1), —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (d-2), —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (d-3), —CH═CH— (d-4), —CH₂—CO— (d-5), —CO—CH₂— (d-6), —(CH₂)₂—CO— (d-7), —CO—(CH₂)₂— (d-8), —CO—CH₂—CO— (d-9), —CH₂—CO—CH₂— (d-10),

-   -   wherein optionally one or two hydrogen atoms on the same or a         different     -   carbon atom may be replaced by C₁₋₄alkyl, hydroxy or phenyl, or         Q is a bivalent radical of formula

As used in the foregoing definitions halo is generic to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo; C₁₋₄alkyl defines straight and branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, 1-methyl-ethyl, 2-methylpropyl and the like; C₁₋₆alkyl is meant to include C₁₋₄alkyl and the higher homologues thereof having 5 or 6 carbon atoms, such as, for example, 2-methyl-butyl, pentyl, hexyl and the like; C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is generic to cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl; C₃₋₆alkenyl defines straight and branched chain unsaturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, such as propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl or hexenyl; C₁₋₂alkanediyl defines methylene or 1,2-ethanediyl; C₁₋₃alkanediyl defines bivalent straight or branched chain hydrocarbon radicals containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms such as, for example, methylene, 1,2-ethanediyl, 1,3-propanediyl, and the branched isomers thereof; C₁₋₅alkanediyl defines bivalent straight or branched chain hydrocarbon radicals containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms such as, for example, methylene, 1,2-ethanediyl, 1,3-propanediyl, 1,4-butanediyl, 1,5-pentanediyl, and the branched isomers thereof; C₁₋₆alkanediyl includes C₁₋₅alkanediyl and the higher homologues thereof having 6 carbon atoms such as, for example, 1,6-hexanediyl and the like. The term “CO” refers to a carbonyl group.

Some examples of the R⁵ moiety are:

The term “stereochemically isomeric forms” as used hereinbefore defines all the possible isomeric forms which the compounds of formula (I) may possess. Unless otherwise mentioned or indicated, the chemical designation of compounds denotes the mixture of all possible stereochemically isomeric forms, said mixtures containing all diastereomers and enantiomers of the basic molecular structure. More in particular, stereogenic centers may have the R- or S-configuration; substituents on bivalent cyclic (partially) saturated radicals may have either the cis- or trans-configuration.

Compounds encompassing double bonds can have an E or Z-stereochemistry at said double bond. Stereochemically isomeric forms of the compounds of formula (I) are obviously intended to be embraced within the scope of this invention.

In compounds of formula (I) wherein the bivalent radical -Z¹-Z²- is of formula (a-6), (a-7) or (a-8) the substituent R⁴ is a direct bond to the -Alk¹-NR⁶-Alk²-R⁵ moiety.

The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts as mentioned hereinabove are meant to comprise the therapeutically active non-toxic acid addition salt forms which the compounds of formula (I) are able to form. The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts can conveniently be obtained by treating the base form with such appropriate acid. Appropriate acids comprise, for example, inorganic acids such as hydrohalic acids, e.g. hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid, sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric and the like acids; or organic acids such as, for example, acetic, propanoic, hydroxyacetic, lactic, pyruvic, oxalic (i.e. ethanedioic), malonic, succinic (i.e. butanedioic acid), maleic, fumaric, malic, tartaric, citric, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic, cyclamic, salicylic, p-aminosalicylic, pamoic and the like acids.

Conversely said salt forms can be converted by treatment with an appropriate base into the free base form.

Quaternary ammonium salts of compounds of formula (I) as used herein defines which the compounds of formula (I) are able to form by reaction between a basic nitrogen of a compound of formula (I) and an appropriate quaternizing agent, such as, for example, an optionally substituted alkylhalide, arylhalide or arylalkylhalide, e.g. methyliodide or benzyliodide. Other reactants with good leaving groups may also be used, such as alkyl trifluoromethanesulfonates, alkyl methanesulfonates, and alkyl p-toluenesulfonates. A quaternary ammonium salt has a positively charged nitrogen. Pharmaceutically acceptable counterions include chloro, bromo, iodo, trifluoroacetate and acetate. The counterion of choice can be made using ion exchange resin columns.

The term addition salt as used hereinabove also comprises the solvates which the compounds of formula (I) as well as the salts thereof, are able to form. Such solvates are for example hydrates, alcoholates and the like.

The N-oxide forms of the compounds of formula (I), which may be prepared in art-known manners, are meant to comprise those compounds of formula (I) wherein a nitrogen atom is oxidized to the N-oxide.

Interesting compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein one or more of the following restrictions apply:

-   a) the bivalent radical -Z¹-Z²- is of formula (a-1), or (a-6); or -   b) the bivalent radical -Z -Z²- is of formula (a-2), (a-3), (a-4),     or (a-9); in particular the bivalent radical -Z¹-Z²- is of formula     (a-3) or (a-4); or -   c) the bivalent radical -Z -Z²- is of formula (a-4); -   d) R¹, R² and R³ are each independently selected from hydrogen,     C₁₋₆alkyl, hydroxy or halo; -   e) R⁴ is hydrogen; -   f) Alk¹ is C₁₋₂alkanediyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, in     particular Alk¹ is —CH₂—; -   g) Alk² is C₁₋₃alkanediyl substituted with hydroxy, in particular     Alk² is —CH₂—CHOH—CH₂—; and/or -   h) R⁶ is hydrogen of phenylmethyl.

Particular compounds of formula (I) are those compounds of formula (I) wherein the bivalent radical -Z¹-Z²- is of formula —CH₂—CH₂— (a-4).

Preferred compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁵ is a radical of formula (c-1) wherein X is oxygen, and Q is a radical of formula (d-2) or (d-5).

More preferred compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁴ is hydrogen; Alk¹ is —CH₂—; Alk² is —CH₂—CHOH—CH₂—; R⁶ is hydrogen; R⁵ is a radical of formula (c-1) wherein X is oxygen, R⁷ is hydrogen, and Q is (d-2).

Other more preferred compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁴ is hydrogen; Alk¹ is —CH₂—; Alk² is —CH₂—CHOH—CH₂—; R⁶ is hydrogen; R⁵ is a radical of formula (c-1) wherein X is oxygen, R⁷ is hydrogen, and Q is (d-5).

Still other preferred compounds are those compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁴ is hydrogen; Alk¹ is —CHOH—CH₂—; Alk² is —CH₂—CHOH—CH₂—; R⁶ is hydrogen; R⁵ is a radical of formula (c-1) wherein X is oxygen, R⁷ is hydrogen, and Q is (d-2).

Most preferred compound is 1-[3-[[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)methyl]amino]-2-hydroxypropyl]-2,4-imidazolidinedione; a stereoisomeric form or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof.

The compounds of the present invention can generally be prepared by alkylating an intermediate of formula (III) with an intermediate of formula (II), wherein W is an appropriate leaving group such as, for example, halo, e.g. fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, or in some instances W may also be a sulfonyloxy group, e.g. methanesulfonyloxy, benzenesulfonyloxy, trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy and the like reactive leaving groups. The reaction can be performed in a reaction-inert solvent such as, for example, acetonitrile or tetrahydrofuran, and optionally in the presence of a suitable base such as, for example, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calciumoxide or triethylamine. Stirring may enhance the rate of the reaction. The reaction may conveniently be carried out at a temperature ranging between room temperature and the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture and, if desired, the reaction may be carried out in an autoclave at an increased pressure.

Compounds of formula (I) can also be prepared by reductively alkylating an intermediate of formula (IV), wherein Alk^(1′) represents a direct bond or C₁₋₅alkanediyl, following art-known reductive alkylation procedures with an intermediate of formula (III).

Said reductive alkylation can be performed in a reaction-inert solvent such as, for example, dichloromethane, ethanol, toluene or a mixture thereof, and in the presence of a reducing agent such as, for example, a borohydride, e.g. sodium borohydride, sodium cyanoborohydride or triacetoxy borohydride. It may also be convenient to use hydrogen as a reducing agent in combination with a suitable catalyst such as, for example, palladium-on-charcoal, rhodium-on-carbon or platinum-on-charcoal. In case hydrogen is used as reducing agent, it may be advantageous to add a dehydrating agent to the reaction mixture such as, for example, aluminium tert-butoxide. In order to prevent the undesired further hydrogenation of certain functional groups in the reactants and the reaction products, it may also be advantageous to add an appropriate catalyst-poison to the reaction mixture, e.g., thiophene or quinoline-sulphur. To enhance the rate of the reaction, the temperature may be elevated in a range between room temperature and the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture and optionally the pressure of the hydrogen gas may be raised.

Alternatively, compounds of formula (I) can also be prepared by reacting an acid chloride of formula (V), wherein Alk¹ represents C₁₋₅alkanediyl or a direct bond, with an intermediate of formula (III) under suitable reaction conditions.

Said reaction can be performed under hydrogenation conditions with hydrogen gas in the presence of a suitable catalyst such as, for example, palladium-on-charcoal, rhodium-on-carbon or platinum-on-charcoal, in a suitable solvent such as, for example, ethyl acetate, and in the presence of magnesiumoxide. In order to prevent the undesired further hydrogenation of certain functional groups in the reactants and the reaction products, it may also be advantageous to add an appropriate catalyst-poison to the reaction mixture, e.g. thiophene or quinoline-sulphur. To enhance the rate of the reaction, the temperature may be elevated in a range between room temperature and the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture and optionally the pressure of the hydrogen gas may be raised.

Compounds of formula (I-a), defined as compounds of formula (I) wherein Alk² represents —CH₂—CHOH—CH₂—, can be prepared by reacting intermediates of formula (VI) with intermediates of formula (VII) in a reaction-inert solvent, such as methanol, and optionally in the presence of an organic base, such as triethyl amine.

The compounds of formula (I) may further be prepared by converting compounds of formula (I) into each other according to art-known group transformation reactions. For instance, compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁶ is phenylmethyl can be converted to the corresponding compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁶ is hydrogen by art-known debenzylation procedures. Said debenzylation can be performed following art-known procedures such as catalytic hydrogenation using appropriate catalysts, e.g. platinum on charcoal, palladium on charcoal, in appropriate solvents such as methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, and the like. Furthermore, compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁶ is hydrogen may be alkylated using art-known procedures such as, e.g. reductive N-alkylation with a suitable aldehyde or ketone.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be converted to the corresponding N-oxide forms following art-known procedures for converting a trivalent nitrogen into its N-oxide form. Said N-oxidation reaction may generally be carried out by reacting the starting material of formula (I) with an appropriate organic or inorganic peroxide. Appropriate inorganic peroxides comprise, for example, hydrogen peroxide, alkali metal or earth alkaline metal peroxides, e.g. sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide; appropriate organic peroxides may comprise peroxy acids such as, for example, benzenecarbo-peroxoic acid or halo substituted benzenecarboperoxoic acid, e.g. 3-chlorobenzene-carboperoxoic acid, peroxoalkanoic acids, e.g. peroxoacetic acid, alkylhydroperoxides, e.g. tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Suitable solvents are, for example, water, lower alkanols, e.g. ethanol and the like, hydrocarbons, e.g. toluene, ketones, e.g. 2-butanone, halogenated hydrocarbons, e.g. dichloromethane, and mixtures of such solvents.

The starting materials and some of the intermediates are known compounds and are commercially available or may be prepared according to conventional reaction procedures generally known in the art. For example, a number of intermediates of formula (II) or (V) may be prepared according to art-known methodologies described in WO-93/17017 and WO-95/053837.

Compounds of formula (I) and some of the intermediates may have one or more stereogenic centers in their structure, present in a R or a S configuration, such as, e.g. the carbon atom bearing the R⁴ substituent, and the carbon atom linked to the -Alk¹-NR⁶-Alk²-R⁵ moiety.

The compounds of formula (I) as prepared in the hereinabove described processes may be synthesized in the form of racemic mixtures of enantiomers which can be separated from one another following art-known resolution procedures. The racemic compounds of formula (I) may be converted into the corresponding diastereomeric salt forms by reaction with a suitable chiral acid. Said diastereomeric salt forms are subsequently separated, for example, by selective or fractional crystallization and the enantiomers are liberated therefrom by alkali. An alternative manner of separating the enantiomeric forms of the compounds of formula (I) involves liquid chromatography using a chiral stationary phase. Said pure stereochemically isomeric forms may also be derived from the corresponding pure stereochemically isomeric forms of the appropriate starting materials, provided that the reaction occurs stereospecifically. Preferably if a specific stereoisomer is desired, said compound will be synthesized by stereospecific methods of preparation. These methods will advantageously employ enantiomerically pure starting materials.

The compounds of formula (I), the N-oxide forms, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomeric forms thereof possess favourable fundic relaxation properties as evidenced in pharmacological example C-1, the “Gastric tone measured by an electronic barostat in conscious dogs”-test.

Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention have additional beneficial pharmacological properties in that they have little or no vasoconstrictor activity as can be demonstrated in pharmacological example C.2 “Vasoconstrictive activity on basilar artery”. Vasconstrictor activity can cause undesirable side-effects such as coronary effects which can induce chest pain.

In view of the capability of the compounds of the present invention to relax the fundus, the subject compounds are useful to treat conditions related to a hampered or impaired relaxation of the fundus such as, e.g. dyspepsia, early satiety, bloating and anorexia.

Dyspepsia is described as a motility disorder. Symptoms can be caused by a delayed gastric emptying or by impaired relaxation of the fundus to food ingestion. Warm-blooded animals, including humans, (generally called herein patients) suffering from dyspeptic symptoms as a result of delayed gastric emptying usually have a normal fundic relaxation and can be relieved of their dyspeptic symptoms by administering a prokinetic agent such as, e.g. cisapride. Patients can have dyspeptic symptoms without having a disturbed gastric emptying. Their dyspeptic symptoms may result from a hypercontracted fundus or hypersensitivity resulting in a diminished compliance and abnormalities in the adaptive fundic relaxation. A hypercontracted fundus results in a diminished compliance of the stomach. The “compliance of the stomach” can be expressed as the ratio of the volume of the stomach over the pressure exerted by the stomach wall. The compliance of the stomach relates to the gastric tone, which is the result of the tonic contraction of muscle fibers of the proximal stomach. This proximal part of the stomach, by exerting a regulated tonic contraction (gastric tone), accomplishes the reservoir function of the stomach.

Patients suffering from early satiety cannot finish a normal meal since they feel saturated before they are able to finish said normal meal. Normally when a subject starts eating, the stomach will show an adaptive relaxation, i.e. the stomach will relax to accept the food that is ingested. This adaptive relaxation is not possible when the compliance of the stomach is hampered which results in an impaired relaxation of the fundus.

In view of the utility of the compounds of formula (I), it follows that the present invention also provides a method of treating warm-blooded animals, including humans, (generally called herein patients) suffering from impaired relaxation of the fundus to food ingestion. Consequently a method of treatment is provided for relieving patients suffering from conditions, such as, for example, dyspepsia, early satiety, bloating and anorexia.

Hence, the use of a compound of formula (I) as medicine is provided, and in particular the use of a compound of formula (I) for the manufacture of a medicine for treating conditions involving an impaired relaxation of the fundus to food ingestion. Both prophylactic and therapeutic treatment are envisaged.

The symptoms of impaired fundic relaxation may also arise due to the intake of chemical substances, e.g. Selective Seretonine Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI's), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram and sertraline.

To prepare the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention, an effective amount of the particular compound, in base or acid addition salt form, as the active ingredient is combined in intimate admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier may take a wide variety of forms depending on the form of preparation desired for administration. These pharmaceutical compositions are desirably in unitary dosage form suitable, preferably, for administration orally, rectally or by parenteral injection. For example, in preparing the compositions in oral dosage form, any of the usual pharmaceutical media may be employed, such as, for example, water, glycols, oils, alcohols and the like in the case of oral liquid preparations such as suspensions, syrups, elixirs and solutions; or solid carriers such as starches, sugars, kaolin, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like in the case of powders, pills, capsules and tablets. Because of their ease in administration, tablets and capsules represent the most advantageous oral dosage unit form, in which case solid pharmaceutical carriers are obviously employed. For parenteral compositions, the carrier will usually comprise sterile water, at least in large part, though other ingredients, for example, to aid solubility, may be included. Injectable solutions, for example, may be prepared in which the carrier comprises saline solution, glucose solution or a mixture of saline and glucose solution. Injectable suspensions may also be prepared in which case appropriate liquid carriers, suspending agents and the like may be employed. In the compositions suitable for percutaneous administration, the carrier optionally comprises a penetration enhancing agent and/or a suitable wetting agent, optionally combined with suitable additives of any nature in minor proportions, which additives do not cause a significant deleterious effect to the skin. Said additives may facilitate the administration to the skin and/or may be helpful for preparing the desired compositions. These compositions may be administered in various ways, e.g., as a transdermal patch, as a spot-on, as an ointment. Acid addition salts of (I) due to their increased water solubility over the corresponding base form, are obviously more suitable in the preparation of aqueous compositions.

It is especially advantageous to formulate the aforementioned pharmaceutical compositions in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. Dosage unit form as used in the specification and claims herein refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active ingredient calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. Examples of such dosage unit forms are tablets (including scored or coated tablets), capsules, pills, powder packets, wafers, injectable solutions or suspensions, teaspoonfuls, tablespoonfuls and the like, and segregated multiples thereof.

For oral administration, the pharmaceutical compositions may take the form of solid dose forms, for example, tablets (both swallowable-only and chewable forms), capsules or gelcaps, prepared by conventional means with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients such as binding agents (e.g. pregelatinised maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose); fillers (e.g. lactose, microcrystalline cellulose or calcium phosphate); lubricants e.g. magnesium stearate, talc or silica); disintegrants (e.g. potato starch or sodium starch glycollate); or wetting agents (e.g. sodium lauryl sulphate). The tablets may be coated by methods well known in the art.

Liquid preparations for oral administration may take the form of, for example, solutions, syrups or suspensions, or they may be presented as a dry product for constitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may be prepared by conventional means, optionally with pharmaceutically acceptable additives such as suspending agents (e.g. sorbitol syrup, methylcellulose, hydroxy-propyl methylcellulose or hydrogenated edible fats); emulsifying agents (e.g. lecithin or acacia); non-aqueous vehicles (e.g. almond oil, oily esters or ethyl alcohol); and preservatives (e.g. methyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoates or sorbic acid).

Pharmaceutically acceptable sweeteners comprise preferably at least one intense sweetener such as saccharin, sodium or calcium saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sodium cyclamate, alitame, a dihydrochalcone sweetener, monellin, stevioside or sucralose (4,1′,6′-trichloro-4,1′,6′-trideoxygalactosucrose), preferably saccharin, sodium or calcium saccharin, and optionally a bulk sweetener such as sorbitol, mannitol, fructose, sucrose, maltose, isomalt, glucose, hydrogenated glucose syrup, xylitol, caramel or honey.

Intense sweeteners are conveniently employed in low concentrations. For example, in the case of sodium saccharin, the concentration may range from 0.04% to 0.1% (w/v) based on the total volume of the final formulation, and preferably is about 0.06% in the low-dosage formulations and about 0.08% in the high-dosage ones. The bulk sweetener can effectively be used in larger quantities ranging from about 10% to about 35%, preferably from about 10% to 15% (w/v).

The pharmaceutically acceptable flavours which can mask the bitter tasting ingredients in the low-dosage formulations are preferably fruit flavours such as cherry, raspberry, black currant or strawberry flavour. A combination of two flavours may yield very good results. In the high-dosage formulations stronger flavours may be required such as Caramel Chocolate flavour, Mint Cool flavour, Fantasy flavour and the like pharmaceutically acceptable strong flavours. Each flavour may be present in the final composition in a concentration ranging from 0.05% to 1% (w/v). Combinations of said strong flavours are advantageously used. Preferably a flavour is used that does not undergo any change or loss of taste and colour under the acidic conditions of the formulation.

The compounds of the invention may also be formulated as depot preparations. Such long acting formulations may be administered by implantation (for example subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or by intramuscular injection. Thus, for example, the compounds may be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example as a sparingly soluble salt.

The compounds of the invention may be formulated for parenteral administration by injection, conveniently intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, for example by bolus injection or continuous intravenous infusion. Formulations for injection may be presented in unit dosage form e.g. in ampoules or in multidose containers, with an added preservative. The compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as isotonizing, suspending, stabilising and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively, the active ingredient may be in powder form for constitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g. sterile pyrogen-free water before use.

The compounds of the invention may also be formulated in rectal compositions such as suppositories or retention enemas, e.g. containing conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glycerides.

For intranasal administration the compounds of the invention may be used, for example, as a liquid spray, as a powder or in the form of drops.

The formulations of the present invention may optionally include an anti-flatulent, such as simethicone, alpha-D-galactosidase and the like.

In general it is contemplated that a therapeutically effective amount would be from about 0.001 mg/kg to about 2 mg/kg body weight, preferably from about 0.02 mg/kg to about 0.5 mg/kg body weight. A method of treatment may also include administering the active ingredient on a regimen of between two or four intakes per day.

EXPERIMENTAL PART

In the procedures described hereinafter the following abbreviations were used: “ACN” stands for acetonitrile and “DCM” stands for dichloromethane.

For some chemicals the chemical formula was used, e.g. CH₂Cl₂ for dichloromethane, CH₃OH for methanol, NH₃ for ammonia, HCl for hydrochloric acid, and NaOH for sodium hydroxide.

In those cases the stereochemically isomeric form which was first isolated is designated as “A”, the second as “B”, the third one as “C” and the fourth one as “D”, without further reference to the actual stereochemical configuration.

A. Preparation of the Intermediates

Example A.1

A reaction solution of 1-(2-propenyl)-2,4-imidazolidinedione (0.036 mol) and 3-chloro-benzenecarboperoxoic acid (0.043 mol, 70.75%) in DCM (25 ml) was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. An aqueous solution of bisulfite was added (to remove excess 3-chlorobenzenecarboperoxoic acid) and the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Na₂CO₃ was added and this mixture was extracted with DCM. The separated organic layer was dried, filtered and the solvent evaporated, yielding 5 g (89%) of (±)-1-(oxiranylmethyl)-2,4-imidazolidinedione (interm. 1).

Example A.2

a) A solution of 2-hydroxypyrimidine hydrochloride (1:1) (0.075 mol) in methanol (150 ml) was stirred for 30 minutes and then added to a solution of sodium carbonate (0.075 mol) in methanol (20 ml). The mixture was stirred and refluxed for 15 minutes, and cooled to 55° C. A solution of N,N-bis(phenylmethyl)oxiranmethanamine (0.075 mol) in toluene (160 ml) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was stirred at 50° C. overnight. Water (75 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred at 55° C. for 15 minutes. The organic layer was separated, washed with water, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₃OH/CH₂Cl₂ 97/3). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 11.8 g (45%) of (±)-1-[3-[bis(phenylmethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropyl]-2(1H)pyrimidinone (interm. 2).

b) A solution of intermediate (2) (0.034 mol) in methanol (500 ml) was hydrogenated with palladium on activated carbon as a catalyst in the presence of thiophene. After uptake of hydrogen (1 equivalent), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 95/5). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 6.15 g (70%) of tetrahydro-1-[2-hydroxy-3-[(phenylmethyl)amino]propyl]-2(1H)pyrimidinone (intern. 3).

B. Preparation of the Final Compounds

Example B.1

3,4-Dihydro-N-(phenylmethyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-2-methanamine (0.032 mol) in methanol (100 ml) was stirred at room temperature. A solution of intermediate (1) (0.032 mol) in methanol (50 ml) was added dropwise and the resulting reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/(CH₃OH/NH₃) 99/1). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 3.5 g (27%) of (±)-1-[3-[[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)methyl](phenylmethyl)-amino]-2-hydroxypropyl]-2,4-imidazolidinedione (comp. 3).

Example B.2

A mixture of 3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxaldehyde, (0.023 mol) and intermediate (3) (0.023 mol) in methanol (250 ml) was hydrogenated with palladium on activated carbon (10%) as a catalyst in the presence of thiophene. After uptake of hydrogen (1 equivalent), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated.

The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 99/1). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 5.9 g (62%) of (±)-1-[3-[[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)methyl](phenylmethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropyl]tetrahydro-2(1H)pyrimidinone (comp. 1).

Example B.3

A mixture of compound (3) (0.0086 mol) in methanol (100 ml) was hydrogenated at 25° C. with palladium on activated carbon (1 g) as a catalyst. After uptake of hydrogen (1 equivalent), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in ACN and converted into the hydrochloric acid salt (1:1) with HCl/2-propanol. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 0.49 g of (±)-1-[3-[[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)methyl]amino]-2-hydroxypropyl]-2,4-imidazolidinedione monohydrochloride (comp. 4).

Example B.4

a) A solution of 2-hydroxypyrimidine (0.16 mol) in methanol (300 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. A solution of Na₂CO₃ (0.16 mol) in methanol (40 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred and refluxed for 15 minutes and cooled to 55° C. A solution of N,N-bis(phenylmethyl)-2-oxiranemethanamine (0.16 mol) in toluene (320 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at 50° C. overnight. Water (150 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at 55° C. for 15 minutes. The organic layer was separated, washed with water, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 97/3). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 26.55 g of (±)-1-[3-[bis(phenylmethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropyl]-2(1H)pyrimidinone (intermediate 4).

b) A mixture of intermediate (4) (0.073 mol) in HCl/2-propanol (20 ml) and CH₃OH (250 ml) was hydrogenated with Pd/C 10% (2 g) as a catalyst. After uptake of hydrogen (3 equivalents), the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was separated into its enantiomers by HPLC (eluent: hexane/EtOH 50/50; Chiralpak AD 1000 Å 20 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 4 g of (A)-tetrahydro-1-[2-hydroxy-3-[(phenylmethyl)amino]propyl]-2(1H)-pyrimidinone (intermediate 5).

c) A mixture of [S—(R*,R*)]-3,4-dihydro-2-oxiranyl-2H-1-benzopyran (0.006 mol) and intermediate (5) (0.006 mol) in ethanol (25 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 2 hours.

The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by HPLC (eluent: hexane/ethanol 70/30; Chiralcel OJ 20 μm). The pure fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 1.7 g of [S(A)]-1-[3-[[2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)-2-hydroxy ethyl](phenylmethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropyl]tetrahydro-2(1H)-pyrimidinone (intermediate 6).

d) A mixture of intermediate (6) (0.004 mol) in CH₃ OH (1100 ml) was hydrogenated with Pd/C 10% (0.5 g) as a catalyst. After uptake of hydrogen (1 equivalent), the catalyst was filtered off. The reaction mixture was converted into the hydrochloric acid salt (1:1) with HCl/2-propanol. DIPE was added. The precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 0.69 g of [S(A)]-1-[3-[[2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)-2-hydroxy ethyl]amino]-2-hydroxypropyl]tetrahydro-2(1H)-pyrimidinone monohydrochloride dihydrate (mp. 138° C.) (compound 15).

Table F-1 and F-2 list the compounds that were prepared according to one of the above Examples and table F.3 lists both the experimental (column heading “exp.”) and theoretical (column heading “theor.”) elemental analysis values for carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen of some of the compounds as prepared in the experimental part hereinabove. TABLE F-1 Co Ex. Physical data No. No. R⁶

(mp. in ° C.) 1 B.2

— 2 B.3 H

.HCl (1:2) 3 B.1

— 4 B.3 H

.HCl (1:1) 5 B.3 H

(A); .HCl (1:2) 6 B.3 H

(B); .HC1 (1:1) 7 B.3 H

(C); .HCl (1:2) 8 B.3 H

(D); .HCl (1:1) .H₂O (1:1) 13 B.1

(R); .HCl (1:1) 14 B.3 H

(R); .HCl (1:1); mp. 241° C.; [α]_(D) ²⁰ = −75.62°, c = 4.95 mg/ml in CH₃OH .C₂H₂O₄ stands for the ethanedioate salt

TABLE F-2

Co Ex. Physical data No. No. R⁶

(mp. in ° C.) 9 B.1

.HC1 (1:1) 10 B.3 H

.HC1 (1:1) 11 B.2

— 12 B.3 H

—

TABLE F.3 Co. Carbon Hydrogen Nitrogen No. Exp. Theor. Exp. Theor. Exp. Theor. 2 53.30 52.05 7.11 6.94 11.04 10.71 4 52.82 54.01 5.95 6.23 11.34 11.81 5 53.29 52.04 7.60 6.94 10.32 10.71 6 53.94 57.38 7.34 7.36 11.06 11.81 7 52.85 52.04 7.90 6.94 10.15 10.71 8 53.22 54.61 7.65 7.55 10.87 11.24 10 53.52 54.01 6.14 6.23 11.63 11.81 12 57.44 57.38 7.31 7.36 11.61 11.81 C. Pharmacological Examples C.1. Gastric Tone Measured by an Electronic Barostat in Conscious Dogs

Gastric tone cannot be measured by manometric methods. Therefore an electronic barostat was used. This allows the study of the physiological pattern and regulation of gastric tone in conscious dogs and the influence of test-compounds on this tone.

The barostat consists of an air injection system which is connected by a double-lumen 14-French polyvinyl tube to an ultrathin flaccid polyethylene bag (maximal volume: ±700 ml). Variations in gastric tone were measured by recording changes in the volume of air within an intragastric bag, maintained at a constant pressure. The barostat maintains a constant pressure (preselected) within a flaccid air-filled bag introduced into the stomach, changing the volume of air within the bag by an electronic feedback system.

Thus, the barostat measures gastric motor activity (contraction or relaxation) as changes in intragastric volume (decrease or increase resp.) at a constant intragastric pressure. The barostat consists of a strain gauge linked by an electronic relay to an air injection-aspiration system. Both the strain gauge and the injection system are connected by means of double-lumen polyvinyl tube to an ultrathin polyethylene bag. A dial in the barostat allows selection of the pressure level to be maintained within the intragastric bag.

Female beagle dogs, weighing 7-17 kg, were trained to stand quietly in Pavlov frames. They were implanted with a gastric cannula under general anaesthesia and aseptic precautions. After a median laparotomy, an incision was made through the gastric wall in longitudinal direction between the greater and the lesser curve, 2 cm above the nerves of Latarjet. The cannula was secured to the gastric wall by means of a double purse string suture and brought out via a stub wound at the left quadrant of the hypochondrium. Dogs were allowed a recovery period of two weeks.

At the beginning of the experiment, the cannula was opened in order to remove any gastric juice or food remnants. If necessary, the stomach was cleansed with 40 to 50 ml lukewarm water. The ultrathin bag of the barostat was positioned into the fundus of the stomach through the gastric cannula. In order to ensure easy unfolding of the intragastric bag during the experiment, a volume of 300-400 ml was injected twice into the bag.

When during a stabilisation period of maximum 90 minutes, the gastric volume is stable during 15 minutes at a constanct pressure of 6 mmHg (about 0.81 kPa), the test compound was administered subcutaneously (S.C.), or intraduodenally (I.D.). Test compounds were screened, i.e. changes in gastric volume were measured, usually at 0.63 mg/kg. Other doses and routes were tested if a test compound was shown to be active during the screening procedure. Table C-1 summarizes the mean maximal change in volume on relaxation of the fundus, during the 1 hour observation period after S.C. or I.D. administration of the test compound (0.63 mg/kg). TABLE C-1 Maximum change Co. No. Route in volume (ml) 5 S.C. 41 6 S.C. 146 7 S.C. 34 14 I.D. 144 14 S.C. 90 15 I.D. 5 C.2 Vasoconstrictive Activity on Basilar Artery

Segments of basilar arteries taken from pigs (anaesthetised with sodium pentobarbital) were mounted for recording of isometric tension in organ baths. The preparations were bathed in Krebs-Henseleit solution. The solution was kept at 37° C. and gassed with a mixture of 95% O₂-5% CO₂. The preparations were stretched until a stable basal tension of 2 grams was obtained.

The preparations were made to constrict with serotonin (3×10⁻⁷ M). The response to the addition of serotonin was measured and subsequently the serotonin was washed away. This procedure was repeated until stable responses were obtained. Subsequently the test compound was administered to the organ bath and the constriction of the preparation was measured. This constrictive response was expressed as a percentage of the response to serotonin as measured previously.

The ED₅₀-value (molar concentration) is defined as the concentration at which a test compound causes 50% of the constrictive response obtained with serotonin. Said ED₅₀-values are estimated from experiments on three different preparations. 

1. A compound of formula (I)

a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, an N-oxide form thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, or a quaternary ammonium salt thereof, wherein Alk¹ is C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonylC₁₋₄alkyl, carbonyl, carbonylC₁₋₄alkyl, or C₁₋₆alkanediyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, halo, amino, hydroxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxy, C₁₋₄alkyloxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxy, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy, or C₃₋₆cycloalkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy; Alk² is C₁₋₄alkylcarbonylC₁₋₄alkyl; C₁₋₆alkanediyl substituted with hydroxy, halo, amino, hydroxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxy, C₁₋₄alkyloxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy, or C₃₋₆cycloalkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy; C₃₋₈cycloalkanediyl optionally substituted with halo, hydroxy, hydroxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxy, C₁₋₄alkyloxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy, or C₃₋₆cycloalkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy; -Z¹-Z²- is a bivalent radical of formula —O—CH(R⁴)—CH₂— (a-1), —O—CH(R⁴)—CH₂—O— (a-2), —O—CH(R⁴)—CH₂—S-(a-3), —O—CH(R⁴)—CH₂—CH₂— (a-4), —O—CH(R⁴)—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (a-5), —O—C(R⁴)═CH— (a-6), —O—C(R⁴)═CH—CH₂— (a-7), —O—C(R⁴)═CH—CH₂—CH₂— (a-8), or —O—CH(R⁴)—CH═CH— (a-9), wherein optionally one or two hydrogen atoms on the same or a different carbon atom may be replaced by hydroxy; R¹, R² and R³ are each independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆alkenyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxy, trihalomethyl, trihalomethoxy, halo, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, amino, C₁₋₆alkylcarbonylamino, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxy, aminocarbonyl, mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminocarbonyl, aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, mono- or di(C₁₋₆alkyl)aminoC₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxy-C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy, or C₃₋₆cycloalkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxy-carbonyloxy; or when R¹ and R² are on adjacent carbon atoms, R¹ and R² taken together may form a bivalent radical of formula —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (b-1), —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (b-2), —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (b-3), —CH═CH—CH═CH— (b-4), —O—CH₂—O— (b-5), —O—CH₂—CH₂— (b-6), —O—CH₂—CH₂—O— (b-7), —O—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (b-8), —O—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂— (b-9),

wherein optionally one or two hydrogen atoms on the same or a different carbon atom may be replaced by hydroxy, C₁₋₄alkyl or CH₂OH; R⁴ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, phenylmethyl, hydroxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxyC₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, C₃₋₆cycloalkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy, or a direct bond when the bivalent radical -Z¹-Z²- is of formula (a-6), (a-7) or (a-8); R⁶ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyl, C₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, phenylmethyl, C₁₋₄alkylaminocarbonyl, C₁₋₄alkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyl, or C₃₋₆cycloalkylcarbonyloxyC₁₋₄alkyloxycarbonyloxy; R⁵ is a radical of formula

wherein n is 1 or 2; p¹ is 0, and p² is 1 or 2; or p¹ is 1 or 2, and p² is 0; X is oxygen, sulfur, NR⁹ or CHNO₂; Y is oxygen or sulfur; R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenylmethyl; R⁸ is C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenylmethyl; R⁹ is cyano, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkyloxycarbonyl or aminocarbonyl; R¹⁰ is hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl; or R⁹ and R¹⁰ taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached may form a pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, homopiperidinyl, piperazinyl, or morpholinyl group, optionally substituted with C₁₋₄alkyl or C₁₋₄alkyloxy; and Q is a bivalent radical of formula —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—  (d-2), wherein optionally one or two hydrogen atoms on the same or a different carbon atom may be replaced by C₁₋₄alkyl, hydroxy or phenyl, or.
 2. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein R⁵ is a radical of formula (c-1) wherein X is oxygen, and Q is a radical of formula (d-2).
 3. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein R⁴ is hydrogen; Alk¹ is —CH₂—, Alk² is —CH₂—CHOH—CH₂—, R⁶ is hydrogen, R⁵ is a radical of formula (c-1) wherein X is oxygen, R⁷ is hydrogen, and Q is (d-2).
 4. (canceled)
 5. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R⁴ is hydrogen; Alk¹ is —CHOH—CH₂—; Alk² is —CH₂—CHOH—CH₂—; R⁶ is hydrogen; R⁵ is a radical of formula (c-1) wherein X is oxygen, R⁷ is hydrogen, and Q is (d-2)
 6. (canceled)
 7. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically active amount of a compound as claimed in claim
 1. 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. A process for preparing a compound of formula (I) wherein a) an intermediate of formula (II) is alkylated with an intermediate of formula (III) in a reaction-inert solvent and, optionally in the presence of a suitable base,

b) an intermediate of formula (IV), wherein Alk^(1′) represents a direct bond or C₁₋₅alkanediyl, is reductively alkylated with an intermediate of formula (III);

c) an intermediate of formula (VI) is reacted with an intermediate of formula (VI) thus yielding compounds of formula (I-a), defined as compounds of formula (1) wherein Alk² represents —CH₂—CHOH—CH₂—;

in the above reaction schemes the radicals -Z¹-Z²-, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, Alk¹ and Alk² are as defined in claim 1 and W is an appropriate leaving group; d) or, compounds of formula (I) are converted into each other following art-known transformation reactions; or if desired; a compound of formula (I) is converted into an into an acid addition salt, or conversely, an acid addition salt of a compound of formula (1) is converted into a free base form with alkali; and, if desired, preparing stereochemically isomeric forms thereof.
 11. A method of treating conditions involving an impaired relaxation of the fundus comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of claim
 1. 